The Country House Courtship Read Online Free PDF

lady make out the illustrations in a fashion magazine; and made her announcement: “Mr. Mornay has just this minute got a note by special messenger—there is a curate en route this very moment to apply for the living! I do hope he is suitable! We have been without a vicar these past two months, and have gone to Warwickdon for our services. It is not too inconvenient to go there, only a short drive; but Mr. Hargrove (the vicar at Warwickdon) is very soon to abandon us for a new living
he
has got!”
    Ariana did not know that the hastily written note which her husband had just received was from Mr. Peter O’Brien. He had wished to inform Mr. Mornay that he was, at that very moment, no more than four or so miles away, and desired to know if he was welcome at Aspindon House. Permission was granted—Mr. Mornay knew the man had travelled from London, and could guess at the trouble it had cost him. If only that deuced letter from the Colonel had arrived when it should have—none of this would be necessary. But he told his wife he was expecting a new candidate for the living, and now entered the room where the ladies were, to join them in waiting. Perhaps the “interview” would go quickly.
    Meanwhile, the women in the room nodded their understanding. “And then you will have no man at all; that won’t do, will it?”
    â€œIndeed, no. Mr. Mornay and I should have to move to Grosvenor Square simply to attend service!”
    Beatrice gasped. “You
will
take me with you? It is the perfect opportunity!”
    Ariana took a seat on a wingchair next to the sofa and near the fireplace. “
If
we go, you are welcome to accompany us,” she said with a smile. Her sister was so eager for a Season! Beatrice returned to her sewing but with a face of triumph. “Oh, splendid! Thank you, Ariana!”
    Mrs. Forsythe’s demeanour was barely patient of this enthusiasm, but she said, “Do not be overhasty. There are always an abundance of curates looking for employment. If this man does not answer the purpose, another will, I am certain. You have only to ask around and you’ll soon have a list of candidates longer than your parish birth registry, I vow!”
    Suddenly Beatrice hoped that the man coming would not be found acceptable. If no one filled the position before Mr. Hargrove took up his new living, the Mornays might remove to their London house! Which meant that she, Beatrice, would join them and live in Grosvenor Square. She had seen the magnificent house at the Square, but not spent more than a night beneath its roof. Just the thought of staying there again sent excitement through her veins.
    â€œShall we try to guess at the sort of man our cleric is?” asked Ariana. She had taken up her own bit of needlework—her perpetual project was to knit blankets for the poor, dropping them off in the village whenever she had more than one finished.
    â€œShall we all get to see him?” Beatrice asked curiously.
    â€œI would very much like to, if I may,” put in Mrs. Royleforst.
    â€œYou may all meet him,” answered their host. “It will serve to demonstrate his manners in company,” he added lightly. He almost smiled at the thought. Perhaps there would be some diversion in this after all.

    Beatrice was proud to be among the family in the finely appointed room, with its dazzling furniture and decoration. And her new walking-out dress of green and pink flowered cambric, the finest winter gown that she had ever had the felicity of enjoying, was perfectly suited for receiving company. Never before had Beatrice felt so indulgent, so condescending, so perfectly at ease among such wealth. After all, she was family; the house belonged to her sister’s husband. She was not timidly come to leave flowers for the lady of the manor (as she sometimes did at home), but now she
was
one of the ladies of the manor. At least she was sure it must appear so to the